Q: Ira, what are you expecting from Nikola Jovic in the Olympics? I would think starting in the playoffs was good preparation. – Seth.
A: Actually, it could be a similar role and similar contribution, or perhaps a bit less. With the Heat playoff roster, Nikola Jovic was a third or even fourth option, at best, behind Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and even Jaime Jaquez Jr. And he likely would have been even further down the Heat hierarchy had Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier been available. With Serbia featuring a quality roster led by Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic, Jovic certainly won’t be more than a third option, and, at just 21, likely not even that. It could wind up being something similar to how Jovic was utilized in Serbia’s Olympic warmup games, basically parked at the 3-point line while awaiting possible Jokic passes on dives to the rim. Ultimately, though, such Olympic experience can’t help but steel Jovic for the next step in his Heat career. Thankfully he was able to push through his ankle sprain, expected to play in reserve for Serbia.
Q: Dan Bisaccio is going to do well in Sioux Falls, isn’t he? – Marion.
A: Based on what he accomplished in bringing the Heat together over a three-week span in summer league, and the way he built bonds with each member of the summer roster, I can’t fathom how he wouldn’t succeed. And it isn’t as if Dan Bisaccio started the developmental process this month, having thrived in a developmental role for years on Erik Spoelstra’s staff. It might be worth checking those Sioux Falls Skyforce G League championship odds ahead of the season if you failed to cash in on the Heat’s summer championship.
Q: What happens to Heat players after summer league? – Bob.
A: A well-deserved break, with Pelle Larsson saying he hasn’t been home to Sweden for months, having moved directly into pre-draft mode after his season at Arizona. But the Heat being the Heat, many of the developmental players will be back in the gym at Kaseya Center in August, as the grind – and with the Heat, it is a grind – begins ahead of training camp.
